While Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy was focused on training camp in St. Joseph, Missouri, a family crisis unfolded hundreds of miles away. On Sunday evening in Ashburn, Virginia, Loudoun County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a shooting at a home that would leave his wife critically wounded and his adult son facing serious felony charges.
When officers arrived at the residence in the 20000 block of Northpark Drive, they found Eric Bieniemy‘s wife Mia, 57, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds to the chest and arm. She was transported to a local hospital and listed in stable condition by Monday. The suspect taken into custody was her own son, 27-year-old Elijah Zion Bieniemy, who was booked on charges of malicious wounding, use of a firearm in commission of a felony, and discharge of a firearm inside a dwelling.
Elijah now remains in custody at the Loudoun County Adult Detention Center as the investigation continues.
The incident sent shockwaves through the NFL community. Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid, who has led the team for 13 years, released a statement expressing his support for Bieniemy during what he called an impossibly difficult time.
“Our hearts go out to Eric Bieniemy and his family. Thoughts and prayers with them,” Reid said. “I can’t get into details on it, but things happen sometimes, and Eric will work through it. He has a great support group here, as does his family, as needed, and we’ll just let time take care of it from there. But Mia is stable, which is a plus.”
Reid described Mia as “a saint” and “one of God’s great blessings,” emphasizing the need for time and healing as the family navigates this tragedy. “Things happen. And you have to work through it. That’s where we’re at right now. Time will have to be involved in this to help heal,” he said.
Bieniemy was absent from Monday’s team workout. Reid indicated the duration of his absence remains unclear as the situation develops and the investigation proceeds.
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